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Lantern in the Forest. The renovation and addition at @KingCountyLibrary’s Federal Way Library expands capacity and strengthens connections with its forested site and growing community. New reading rooms for the library’s diverse collections are housed within a series of glass and steel pavilions that engage the forest. These sculptural pavilions are positioned to preserve mature evergreens, and open to views of trees, rain gardens and native plantings. Expanded seating, study areas and collections alleviate congestion in the library, one of the busiest branches in King County at the time it was built. 📷: Doug Scott

Posted: 02.04.2022

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Immersive environments for reading are key to the success of K-12 school libraries like this one at Blakely Elementary School. Stacked timbers create a welcoming nest for shared stories and independent reading in the sunlight. "Every square foot of our beautiful new library speaks volumes to those in it about how we as a community value books, reading and learning. It is as if the room says "come and read." And the children do... When we think of our school as inspired by the forest, the library is certainly at the top with a full view of learning going on all around us while we curl up in "The Nest" to share a story. It is a very natural place to listen, to use the imagination and to wonder." – Kathleen Pool, Bainbridge Island School District Library Media Specialist 📷: Benjamin Benschneider (image 01)

Posted: 02.04.2022

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In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing the @SeattlePublicLibrary Douglass-Truth Branch Library which was renovated and expanded by Schacht Aslani Architects in 2006 (now part of Mithun). The design preserves character-defining features of the cherished historic library while creating a modern expression and experience aligned to its contemporary community. Moreover, the project provides expanded space and better access to the library’s significant African-American Collection—one of the largest on the West Coast—launched in 1965 with books donated by the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a national organization of Black college women. The collection features more than 10,000 items including biographies, magazines, literature, music and films as well as pamphlets, fliers and posters on local leaders and issues. Among the library’s art on display are paintings of Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth by Eddie Ray Walker, 3D panels by Vivian Linder (visible through windows in this photo) and copper sculptures by Marita Dingus. See link in bio to learn more and plan a visit (https://bit.ly/3L1LFii) 📷: Mike Jensen

Posted: 02.03.2022

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The residential tower at Heartline features ground-floor detailing and art integration that animates the pedestrian experience and enriches placemaking. Defining the high-rise entry vestibule is a board-formed concrete wall that showcases original etched-glass art by Lead Pencil Studio housed within a monumental horizontal aperture. In the second image, elevated stoops in front of the townhouses along 12th Avenue NW provide privacy through art and vegetation while connecting to the urban fabric of the bustling Pearl neighborhood through glazed walls, canopies and simple materiality. If you’re passionate about architecture that contributes to a vibrant public realm, reach out! We’re looking for talented team members to join our multifamily and mixed use high-rise practice in San Francisco and Seattle. Learn more at link in bio (https://mithun.com/people/careers/). 📷: @k7scott

Posted: 01.27.2022

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We’re #hiring for multiple positions including Architects, Project Managers, Urban Designers, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects and Marketing. Join our integrated design team seeking to create positive change through design! It’s an exciting process—uniquely collaborative, compelled by optimism and curiosity, enabled by broad expertise and the latest technology. Explore current openings and contact us: https://mithun.com/people/careers/ (link in bio) Shown in photo: courtyard detail of a salvaged timber bench with linear lighting at Heartline 📷: @k7scott

Posted: 01.25.2022

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A nine-level, open-air walkway at 2060 Folsom takes advantage of the Mission’s mild climate to reduce conditioned space and features panoramic views over the neighborhood. The playful scrim casts biophilic shadows throughout the day, connecting residents with nature’s rhythms. Designed in collaboration with Y.A. Studio, and developed by Mission Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC). 📷: @brucedamonte

Posted: 01.21.2022

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Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom is located in what was once the rich ecological zone of Mission Creek and its associated wetlands. In the lobby, environmental graphics celebrate this community history along residents’ daily routes through the building. Just beyond is a generous south-facing courtyard that reconnects with this hidden ecology to filter stormwater, provide biohabitat and play space, and act as a 'town square’ for residents overlooking the adjacent In Chan Kaajal Park. Designed in collaboration with Y.A. Studio, and developed by Mission Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC). 📷: @brucedamonte

Posted: 01.20.2022

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Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom makes the most of its urban, park-adjacent site to provide infrastructure for social equity and a low-carbon future. A mixed-use building with 127 permanently affordable homes and a rich offering of resident and community-serving spaces on the ground floor, the project is the first large new-construction all-electric multi-family housing in San Francisco and boasts a predicted gross EUI of 14.6! Designed in collaboration with Y.A. Studio, and developed by Mission Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC). 📷: @brucedamonte

Posted: 01.19.2022